Twin Falls P&Z Denies Hookah Paradise's Bid For Longer Hours

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By
Jay Michaels

Twin Falls, Idaho ( KMVT-TV / KTWT-TV ) For many neighbors, one local Twin Falls business is far from paradise.

The hookah lounge that opened in the Campus Commons Shopping Center in July has nearby residents concerned about noise and other disturbances.

Tim Parker lives across the street from the Campus Commons Shopping Center. He's one of many nearby residents who are concerned about the Hookah Paradise lounge that's been open here for just three months now.

Parker says, "I understand that there are going to be places like this. I just really don't think they belong in a residential area. We have children, they're up very late, making a lot of noise. I've seen the police out there numerous times, things that children don't need to see."

Twin Falls Police have responded to seven calls in the last three months, and neighbors are concerned about increased crimes in the area.

SSgt. Chuck Garner with the Twin Falls Police Department says, "One or two noise disturbances, we've had a rape reported there at 4 in the morning. We've also done a report of them accepting money from people as a cover charge after their operating hours."

The Hookah Paradise is open from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. each night. The owner wants to extend his business hours to 1:00 in the morning because many of his customers don't get off work until later. But nearby homeowners and renters are strongly against those later hours.

Neighbory Valerie Van Leeuwen says, "That's also a concern to have somebody up, moving through the neighborhood at 1:00 o'clock in the morning. Businesses, cars driving, whatever. Thank you for your consideration, and your votes no."

In the end, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted eight to zero to "deny" the Hookah Paradise's application for extended hours.